Germany Tightens Sick Leave Rules, Requires Medical Certificate from First Day of Illness
Germany Tightens Sick Leave Rules, Requires Medical Certificate from First Day of Illness
Germany Tightens Sick Leave Rules, Requires Medical Certificate from First Day of Illness
Germany has introduced stricter sick leave regulations requiring employees to provide a medical certificate from the first day they are absent from work due to illness.
The new policy replaces the previous rule that allowed workers a three-day grace period before submitting a doctor’s certificate. It also ends the use of phone-based sick notes.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the changes are aimed at addressing the country’s high rate of employee absences, which he said has placed growing pressure on the economy.
According to the 2026 DAK Health Insurance Report, employees took an average of 19.5 sick days in 2025.
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) estimates that lost workdays due to illness cost the German economy nearly €85 billion annually.
Medical professionals have, however, expressed concerns that the new requirement could increase pressure on healthcare facilities as more workers seek medical consultations to obtain certificates.
The policy has sparked debate, with supporters arguing that it could reduce unnecessary absences, while critics warn it may place additional burdens on both patients and healthcare providers.
The new regulations are now in effect across Germany.
Germany Tightens Sick Leave Rules, Requires Medical Certificate from First Day of Illness
